Yongfeng Temple in Wafangdian

Yongfeng Temple in Wafangdian

Yongfeng Temple in Wafangdian is a cultural tourism attraction.

According to inscriptions on the steles, it was first built in the 19th year of the Zhenguan era of Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty (645 AD), boasting a history of over 1,300 years. The temple is situated on a small hill in the southeast corner of Fuzhou Ancient City, with its entrance facing west, backed by the ancient city to the north, nestled next to the Yongfeng Ancient Pagoda to the east, and overlooking the southern gate of the ancient city to the west. The elevated terrain offers a scenic and pleasant landscape. One of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou, “Sunset Glow at Yongfeng,” originates from this very place.

There is a regulated verse that reads: “The ancient temple stands majestically over Yongfeng; before Buddha, the sunset glow soars above the halls. Six dynasties’ golden splendor fades on the old pagoda, while a touch of rouge completes nature’s artistry. At dusk, the surrounding mountains blush purple; as the setting sun sets, a hint of red crowns the pagoda’s peak. Located near the southern outskirts by the city gate, it’s a wonder to visit under the moon among the Eight Scenic Spots.” Yongfeng Temple covers a construction area of over 3,000 square meters and houses seven main halls: the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Mountain Gate Hall, the Lüzu Hall, the God of Wealth Hall, the Three Saints Hall, and the Kṣitigarbha Hall. In addition, there are a bell and drum tower, an ancient pagoda, a city gate tower, and inscribed stelae from various dynasties, all complementing each other to form a relatively complete ancient architectural complex.

Fuzhou Yongfeng Temple, built during the Tang Dynasty, features seven major halls including the Mahavira Hall, the Heavenly King Hall, the Mountain Gate Hall, and the Lüzu Hall, along with over sixty statues. It also includes two bell towers, forming a large ancient architectural complex that complements the ancient pagoda and city gate tower, creating a picturesque scene. One of the Eight Scenic Spots of Fuzhou, “Sunset Glow at Yongfeng,” can be found here. A regulated verse goes: “The ancient temple stands majestically over Yongfeng; before Buddha, the sunset glow soars above the halls. Six dynasties’ golden splendor fades on the old pagoda, while a touch of rouge completes nature’s artistry. At dusk, the surrounding mountains blush purple; as the setting sun sets, a hint of red crowns the pagoda’s peak. Located near the southern outskirts by the city gate, it’s a wonder to visit under the moon among the Eight Scenic Spots.” The poem reflects the miraculous and splendid scenery of the site.

Location: Fucheng Town, Wafangdian City, Dalian, Liaoning Province

Transportation: Take a bus from Dalian to Wafangdian, then transfer to a minibus or taxi passing through Fucheng Town to reach the site.